The Psychology Of PCOS
PCOD vs PCOS
What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?
What was initially called as PCOD or Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease was related only to the formation of cysts on the ovaries with symptoms such as amenorrhoea, scanty or delayed menstruation or infertility.
However, further research showed that the condition was related not only to the ovaries but there were other simultaneous health conditions such as excess hair growth, acne, obesity, diabetes or prediabetic states.
The term was hence changed to PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome which denotes that the condition is related to a group of symptoms associated with multiple systems.
From the medical perspective, the exact reasons for this condition are not known and though it can be controlled, there is no permanent cure for the same. However, from the perspective of psychology there are certain anxieties that are seen to be associated with this condition, which if worked upon, help in reducing the problems not only in relation to the menstrual irregularities or infertility, but also the other problems included as a part of the entire syndrome.
To understand the anxieties, we need to first understand the function of ovaries, the androgens, the menstrual cycle and hence the concept of PCOS.
The androgens are the male hormones, represent strength & rationality as opposed to estrogens, which are the female hormones that represent softness, emotions and vulnerability. The androgens are often found increased in females suffering from PCOS
The function of the ovaries is in the formation and release the Ovum or the egg which is the female’s part of responsibility towards reproduction.
The menstrual cycle is a part of the preparation that the uterus goes through cyclically for the sustenance of pregnancy after the fertilization of the ovum.
Anxieties
Objectives of Yoga Psychology Foundation
Anxiety/ Fear of Pregnancy
1.
- it is usually associated with incidences of severe complications or mortality in association with pregnancy, suffered by someone in the family or nearby
Anxiety of parenting
2.
- any situation that leads a lady to believe parenting as a highly difficult task or as simultaneously, painful for the child, can develop severe sub-conscious aversion towards pregnancy as means of avoiding the possible responsibilities of parenthood. Personal experience of having received ‘bad parenting’ in childhood or a history of various emotional traumas that effect either the confidence of self-esteem during the childhood could be seen as responsible.
Traumas In Childhood in General or With Regards to Sex or Femininity
3.
- History of sexual abuse in childhood can lead to an aversion or anxiety towards a physical relation, pregnancy or to the femininity itself; the femininity now is seen as the reason for the abuse.
- Extreme criticism, derogatory or a discriminatory behaviour that destroys the self-esteem of the girl child can make the now adult girl feel unworthy of any responsible job, including parenting.
Anxiety or Need for being the ‘Responsible’ child
4.
- Being the elder daughter can sometimes make the female feel the need to be strong to take the responsible towards first her parents and later towards the siblings.
- Being the only child (female) can make the child feel more responsible towards the parents, esp. in an Asian context where the son is seen as supposed to take the responsibility of parents. Whereas for the only female child, the need is now to be strong as the ‘son’ and handle the responsibilities of her parents in their old age.
- Severe insecurities; financial or otherwise, increase the need of family members to be strong enough to fight the adverse situations of life and provide sufficient security to the family. Death or absence of both the parents, father or an elder brother, may necessitate the now elder sister or the only female child to henceforth remain strong enough to continue providing the necessary security.
